Saudis took to streets in eastern province

Demonstrators have once again taken to the streets of Saudi Arabia's oil-rich Eastern Province to protest the country's governance. On Friday, demonstrators demanded that the Al Saud regime hold police responsible for the killing of several peaceful protesters since last year. Demonstrators called for the recognition of their basic rights, vowing to hold more rallies. Saudis have been holding protest rallies since March last year. Demonstrations in Eastern Province began in February 2011. Protests have become more frequent since November 2011 when Saudi security forces killed five protesters, leaving many others injured. Saudis have been demanding rights reforms, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also criticized the Al Saud regime for silencing dissent through intimidation and the violation of the basic rights of citizens. Riyadh has stepped up its crackdown on protesters since the beginning of 2012.